Xibalba: the underworld of the Maya between myth and reality
Place of horror: this is the meaning of the word Xibalba, which in the mythology of the Quiché Maya indicates the underground world governed by the gods of death. In the 14th century the entrance to Xibalba was believed to be a cave near Coban, Guatemala. Later, a system of caves discovered in Belize suggests that these were the true entrance to the underworld. According to the Maya, another gateway to Xibalba was the dark line of separation visible in the Milky Way.
Many cultures on our planet have stories of mysterious underground worlds governed by dark guardians who monitor human activities.
The underworld is usually associated with darkness, evil and death.
One of the most significant examples of this idea is contained in the Mayan Quiché mythology, which mentions Xibalba, an underground world governed by twelve deities known as the "Lords of Xibalba".
The Maya, however, did not think of Xibalba as a metaphysical or spiritual world, but as a physical realm, located beneath the surface of the earth and reached through real entrances.
In fact, in the 14th century, the entrance to Xibalba was believed to be located in a cave near Cobán, Guatemala. Some of the Quiché descendants of the Mayan people who live in its vicinity still associate that same area with death.
Description
Xibalba is described in the Popol Vuh as a large underground place consisting of a series of structures, chief among them the Council of Lords of Xibalba. Furthermore, the houses of the lords, gardens and other structures are mentioned which seem to describe Xibalba as a great city.
The road from the surface to Xibalba is described as full of traps and obstacles. Whoever wants to access the underground world must first cross a river full of scorpions, then one full of blood and, finally, one full of pus.
After that, you find yourself at a crossroads made up of four talking streets, which are intended to confuse and deceive travellers. Only after overcoming these obstacles does one arrive before the Council of Xibalba, where the pilgrim's first duty is to greet his Lords.
Between myth and reality
In 2008, a group of archaeologists discovered an underwater labyrinth composed of 14 caves dotted with pyramids and temples. Researchers wonder whether the underground structure somehow inspired the Mayan myths, or whether it was the other way around.
In one of the caves, the explorers found a 90-meter paved road that ends with a column. These structures were probably intended for a very elaborate ritual.
The oldest element found by archaeologists is represented by a boat dating back 2 thousand years ago. Furthermore, terracotta fragments dating back to between 750 and 850 AD have been found.
William Saturno, a Mayan expert at Boston University, believes that the construction of the underwater temples indicates a significant effort to create these portals. In addition to diving deep to reach the caves, the builders had to hold their breath for a long time to complete the job. This aspect represents an enigma that needs to be explained.
